When you are ready to submit your request, please login to the Terra Dotta System and navigate to the Request Center to find the OPT / STEM OPT Employment Update request. We recommend that students access Terra Dotta through a desktop/laptop device, as mobile compatibility is limited. 



OPT:


Reporting Requirements


You may not begin employment until you have received your Post-Completion OPT EAD card in the mail.

Once you have received your Post-Completion OPT approval and EAD card, you must provide that to the ISO in the Terra Dotta System.


Student are permitted up to 90 days of unemployment on Post-Completion OPT. The unemployment count begins from the start date on the student's EAD card. If you are authorized for post-completion OPT, you must work part time (at least 20 hours per week) or full time. 


NOTE: If you were working on CPT prior to your OPT start date, the ISO will not automatically transfer your employment information to you approved OPT. It is the student's responsibility to report any personal address updates and all employment updates to the ISO within day 10 days.


Failure to report required changes during your approved Post-Completion OPT can result in violation of your F-1 status.



STEM OPT:


Reporting Requirements

Once you have received your STEM OPT EAD card, please submit a copy to the ISO and request for a new I-20 with approved STEM OPT.

Students with approved STEM-OPT are required to report the following changes to the ISO within 10 days of any change that may occur:

  • Legal name
  • Residential or mailing address
  • Employer name
  • Employer address
  • Change in job responsibilities, supervisor, site information, or company details. This will require submission of an updated I-983 form to the ISO.
  • Change of Employer 

NOTE: All STEM OPT employers must be part of E-Verify. You cannot work for an employer that is not part of E-Verify while on STEM-OPT, as this is a direct violation of your F-1 status.


How to change your employer on STEM OPT

In order for a student to change their employer on STEM OPT, student must submit the following:

  1. Final self-evaluation on the bottom of page 5 on their I-983 form for their previous employer  
  2. New I-983 form for their new employer (leaving page 5 blank, to be filled out at a later time) 


Unemployment on STEM OPT

Students receive an additional 60 days of unemployment time while on STEM OPT. This is added to any remaining unemployment days you may have from previously being on Post-Completion OPT.  Any questions or concerns about unemployment should be directed to the ISO.